Are addiction services for youth confidential?
Young people often have questions about how their personal information is handled. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on this topic.
Who decides if my personal information is released to someone else and how much information is released?
In most cases, you do. At your first meeting with a counsellor, you can discuss what kind of information gets released (your options include no information, just attendance, or assessment and progress) and to whom (e.g., parents, probation officers, school principal, social workers, other counsellors). Your counsellor will discuss with you the pros and cons of releasing information, and by the end of the first meeting you will sign a written form that outlines your wishes.
By law (Alberta Health Information Act), your counsellor must respect your rights to confidentiality in the way they collect, use and share information.
Will my counsellor tell other people what I have talked about even if I don’t want them to?
In most cases, they will not. However, there are exceptions when information may be released without your permission. These exceptions include:
- if you are a danger to yourself or someone else
- if you are in need of protection (e.g., because of abuse or abandonment)
- if your counsellor is required to release information by a court of law
- if the information is shared with another health service provider (e.g., a medical doctor) to benefit your treatment and care
Why would anyone want their personal information released?
- Sometimes you may need proof of your attendance or participation in a certain program. A common example of this would be signing a release to a probation officer or a principal, so they have evidence of attendance.
- Releasing information to important people in your life like parents can help them understand what is happening in your life and gives them a chance to offer you support.
- Giving this information may help rebuild trust and re-establish communication.
What if I change my mind about the release of my information?
If for any reason you become uncomfortable with a release that has been signed, please let your counsellor know so that you can review your earlier decision. It does not matter if you are at your first meeting or a later one; you can always review with your counsellor who information is going to and what kind of information is being released.
If you are concerned that the information you provided was collected, used or shared inappropriately, talk to your counsellor first. If you still have questions, you can contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Alberta at 1-888-878-4044 (toll-free).
